Simon Bell (singer)
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Simon Bell (born January 15, 1949) is a Scottish session singer based in London who has worked with several noted singers.
[edit] Career
Born in Glasgow, Bell first sang in local bands in the 1960's, including the bands The Soundtracks and Harlem Shuffle. He has worked with Marvin Gaye, Hot Chocolate, Elkie Brooks, Elaine Paige, Leo Sayer, and still leads the choir for the James Last Orchestra.
His career as a session singer began in earnest when he relocated to London in the 1970's, Bell was initially taken under the wing of American soul star Doris Troy. Troy's connections began landing Bell singing gigs on recording sessions with soul singers like Madeline Bell.
Bell has also written songs with John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, and had his own compositions in numerous films.
[edit] The Springfield connection
Through Madeline Bell, he eventually met Dusty Springfield, with whom he would have a long and fruitful association for many years. Bell met Springfield at a challenging time in her career, and he became not only a backup singer for her, but also a close friend and confidante. Bell remained close friends with Springfield, helping her through her illness and singing at her funeral after her death from breast cancer in 1999.
Bell still maintains a website, "Dusty Devotedly", that pays tribute to Springfield. Bell is one of Springfield's colleagues who have maintained a diligent presence in the press and on the Internet in an effort to protect her legacy.
